Contender (noun)

1. A person or thing that competes with others for a prize or a position.
2. A person who is likely to win or succeed in a competition or struggle.

Origin:

From the middle english contending, meaning "to contest, struggle", from the latin contendere, meaning "to strive, contest".

Examples:

1. He was a strong contender for the championship.
2. The company was a serious contender in the market.
3. The new product was a contender for the award.
4. She was a top contender for the job.
5. The team was a strong contender for the title.